"Serious Inquiries Only" used in ads - Page 1

Not trying to bitch here, but I do want to try to make a point, or at least see it in another light.

Okay, here are MY PERSONAL reasons I don't understand why this particular statement is used in ads.
1. If you don't list a price, how do I know if I can even afford the dog?
2. When you don't give the dog's name, or a link to it's Pedigree, how will I know if I want those lines?
3. When you don't show a picture, link to a picture or link to a website with a picture, then how am I supposed to know if I'm interested?

When I think of all of the good homes out there that want a dog, but are afraid to reply to an ad, it makes me mad. I was a breeder, and I NEVER ONCE minded answering questions, even if I thought they were stupid. Now, before anyone's hackles get raised, I don't like the people that have NO INTENTION of purchasing from me, and yet still contact me just to BS. I have no problem talking Dog with anyone, but don't waste my time by saying you're interested in one of my pups, if you really just want to call and shoot the breeze.

I am interested to hear others' opinions on this, because I am sure I'm not the only one who finds this at least a little bit a pain in the hind quarters.

Send me a PM if you wish to keep your thoughts private.

I think legitimate inquiries you mention are okay for most of these people.  They just don't want to waste time with people who wish they could buy the dog but know they don't have enough money.  I don't mind answering all inquiries, even from wishful non-buyers.  Well, except I once had one who bothered me all the time when I knew he was not going to buy a dog, to the point where I actually did start getting annoyed.  I think that one was lonely or something. 

Veronica

I agree. Without the info, i am not sure if I am serious. I know I am serious about buying a dog that looks like that dog but without the pedigree, Hip/Elbow Status and price I am not sure I am serious about buying THAT dog. I may think by the photo the dog looks worth $3,000 and when I e-mail the advertiser, they tell me the dog is $5,000. At that point I am no longer interested.

Tina

It doesn't seem to matter either way. I have placed ads with my price clearly listed, clearly stating that I screen all potential homes, and have still had people offer me $300 for my pups.  I don't mind answering questions either, but really, don't insult me. $300 doesn't even cover the cost per pup.

K-9 mom, I agree with you completely. Interesting story, I inquired about 7 years from a very high end breeder on the east coast regarding a young bitch they had for sale. I told them I was not in the immediate market for a dog, but if the right one came along I would certainly take the opportunity.  They accused me of being a broker and asked me to stop emailing them. Apparently they can't tell an experienced show/work home from a broker. I wonder what on earth they would have called a "serious inquiry". My dog I ended up buying instead was shown regionally, nationally, and has a UD, and in spite of a bad hip lives in my homes as a cherished family member. I wonder where that bitch I asked about is now. Their loss.

Okay, so I'm NOT the only one...

I also originally posted this because I wanted to see if someone could actually give me a DECENT answer as to why they leave valid information out of their ads.

I have seen several ads (not just on here) about people that do want serious inquiries, but aren't jerks about it. I remember one ad I saw on here about a week or two ago, the person seemed rather rude, and frankly, if they would choose to be so standoffish BEFORE the sale goes through, how much help can I expect once the dog is in my care? I understand, people don't like "Tire Kickers" but the old saying goes, "You'll win more bees with honey, rather than vinegar."

The classifieds on the board are IMO a place you "tire kick", "window shop" NOT when you have the breeder emailing pictures, pedigrees, video ect and have wasted countless hours of their time on the phone several nights a week wanting to talk about the parents, the litter.

When I had my first litter I advertised I tried to put as much info as I myself like to know when I'm REALLY looking to buy something.  I was trying to avoid wasting my time or someone else's.  I listed pedigrees, price, serious inquiries, the whole nine and I still had people call to ask if I'd be interested in "trading this for that".  I think I would have been less insulted if they made a ridiculous offer; at least they would be haggling with money vs. a pup they don't want.